Klonopin & Alcohol: Understanding the Dangers

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Klonopin?

Avoiding alcohol is recommended while taking Klonopin.^1,2 The two substances can depress your central nervous system and together can increase the risk of serious side effects like decreased breathing and heart rate, coma, and even death. It can also increase the risk of becoming dependent both physically and/or mentally on these substances.

Some combine these two substances without medical guidance due to the belief that since they are both legal substances, then there is no risk in combining the two. It should be noted that Klonopin may be used off-label to treat alcohol withdrawal. It helps to prevent the body from becoming too excited with the lack of GABA present once you stop drinking alcohol, causing issues like seizures.³ An off-label use is when a medication is used for a non-FDA-approved indication based on the judgment of a healthcare professional.

Who Is at Risk for Abusing Klonopin & Alcohol?

There are many factors that can influence how likely it is for a person to develop a substance use disorder, such as physical, mental, and social factors. Some of these factors may increase the risk, while others may protect a person.⁴ Risk factors for substance abuse would be factors like a family history of substance abuse (ie alcohol addiction), a history of trauma, depression, and other mental health conditions, and social and cultural factors where alcohol consumption is common. The risk of substance use increases greatly during times of transition, such as a loss of employment for adults or changing schools for children.^5,6,7,8

Side Effects of Mixing Klonopin & Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Klonopin enhances the side effects of both substances because both substances depress the nervous system. Due to similar mechanisms, many people experience an increase in side effects as well as more severe side effects. The severity worsens the more someone abuses the two substances, as well as the amount.

Side effects of mixing alcohol and Klonopin may include:*^1,2

• Increased tolerance to either of the substances
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Decreased coordination
• Inability to control one’s emotions
• Increased risk of developing a dependence on one or both substances

Mixing alcohol and Klonopin greatly increases the risk of severe side effects. Please seek immediate medical attention if you or someone show side effects after mixing these substances.

Severe side effects of mixing alcohol and Klonopin may include:*^1,2

• Breathing difficulties
• Overdose
• Coma
• Suicidal ideation
• Death

*All medications, including Klonopin, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Dangers of Mixing Alcohol & Klonopin

Alcohol works as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, affecting many areas in the body, such as the brain, liver, and pancreas. It interrupts the brain’s communication pathways, disrupting a person’s behavior and coordination while it impacts the liver and pancreas as the body tries to get rid of the toxins from alcohol.⁹

Klonopin works similarly on the CNS, so together, they can have an additive effect and increase the risk of serious side effects. Both substances have FDA warnings not to mix them with other substances, especially ones that depress the CNS. For this reason, the FDA warns against taking alcohol and Klonopin together.^1,2

Severe effects from mixing Klonopin and alcohol include:^1,2,9

• Breathing difficulties: The combination of Klonopin and alcohol decreases the CNS and its control over breathing. It causes a sedating effect that can decrease breathing to a dangerous level.
• Increased confusion and unawareness: With the depression of the CNS from both substances, it affects how the brain communicates. This can cause a sudden and serious reaction where a person may not be able to understand their surroundings.
• Increased potential of sudden conditions: The combination of substances can increase the risk of developing a serious sudden reaction such as a heart attack, stroke, psychosis, and seizures.
• Increased risk of long-term physical conditions: With the additive effects of Klonopin and alcohol, a person can develop heart, gut, liver, kidney, and nerve issues the longer a person abuses these substances.
• Paranoia: With the increased risk of mental confusion caused by the mixing of the two substances, mental confusion can cause a person to react irrationally. Their actions may not be based on reality while under the influence.
• Coma: Klonopin and alcohol together can depress the CNS to the point where it sedates someone into unconsciousness where they are unable to respond to other stimuli because their senses are dulled by the substance abuse.
• Suicidal ideation: Both substances have a known effect of increasing suicidal behavior and ideation. They can worsen depression and with the mental effects that Klonopin and alcohol have, there is a potential for suicidal behavior.
• Death: CNS depression is dangerous due to many important bodily functions that exist there. Multiple side effects could occur and cause death, like if a patient went into a coma and developed breathing difficulties simultaneously.

Symptoms of a Klonopin Overdose

A number of factors contribute to a lethal overdose of Klonopin. Individual factors like a person’s sex, height, weight, age, and tolerance to the substances can affect the risk of overdose. The mixing of substances (both legal and illegal), as well as the amount of them, could increase the likelihood of overdose. The more a person drinks alcohol while on Klonopin, it greatly increases the chance of an overdose which is especially concerning given how common binge drinking is in the United States.¹⁰

If you or someone you know is actively under the influence and experiencing severe side effects or displaying symptoms of an overdose, then immediately call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency room. This is a life-threatening event that can result in death if not treated. If you are waiting for emergency services, monitor the suspected overdose victim to make sure that they are breathing and responsive. Have them on their side to prevent them from choking if they vomit, and be prepared to administer CPR if you are trained.

Symptoms of a Klonopin overdose include:^1,2

• Unusual drowsiness
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Mood or mental changes
• Problems with muscle control or coordination
• Unusual feelings of weakness

Treating a Klonopin Overdose

When a Klonopin overdose occurs, treatment is based on symptoms and includes the monitoring of the person’s breathing, pulse, and blood pressure. A medical team would perform immediate stomach pumping and general supportive measures, like IV fluids and airway management. If necessary, a partial reversal agent to Klonopin, called flumazenil, can be used to help with treatment. This agent is intended to be used on top of basic treatment, not as a substitute for it. Patients are monitored even after flumazenil is given.^1,2

If there is withdrawal associated with either alcohol or Klonopin use, then a person could potentially be put on a different benzodiazepine to help with symptoms and to help prevent serious side effects like seizures.³

How Long Does Klonopin Stay in Your System?

The half-life for Klonopin is about 30 to 40 hours. The half-life shows how much time it takes to eliminate half the drug from the body, and it is thought to take about 5 half-lives for the drug to leave the body completely. Therefore, Klonopin takes approximately 5 days before the body completely clears it from its system after your last dose.^1,2

How Long After Taking Klonopin Can You Drink Alcohol?

It is recommended not to consume alcohol while on Klonopin. With the half-life in mind, it would take about 5 days from the last dose of Klonopin before a person could drink alcohol to make sure there are no reactions between the two substances.^1,2 You should not skip any doses as it is not safe to do so, possibly resulting in the worsening of the condition you are trying to treat. Typically, there are worse reactions the larger the quantity of alcohol and Klonopin you take, but there are still risks associated with combining the substances.

Dependence on Klonopin & Alcohol

Klonopin is classified as a schedule IV medication by the FDA, which means that there is some potential for abuse and may lead to dependence on the substance. Similarly, alcohol has a risk of dependence. Together, both substances used together elevate the risk of dependence on one or both substances and the risk of severe side effects.

Dependence can be physical or mental and cause a person to seek out the substance in order to feel normal. A person who is dependent may have physical symptoms when they attempt to stop using the substance and even develop a tolerance to the substance, requiring more in order to obtain the desired effect. Dependence could impact a person physically, emotionally, and socially and lead to serious consequences if not addressed properly.

Seeking Professional Help

If you or someone you know is in danger because of drinking while on Klonopin, it is important to seek help. This is especially important if it starts to impact your life, interrupt your social and professional life, or if you are experiencing side effects. You should contact your health care team (ie. doctors, psychiatrists, pharmacists) or even reach out to free and confidential resources, like SAMHSA’s national helpline (1-800-662-4357).

If you are worried about interactions or side effects with current medications or while using alcohol while on Klonopin, then discuss alternative treatments with your psychiatrist or doctor. If you are in need of a new psychiatrist, online psychiatry options are available. There are treatment options available if you have an alcohol use disorder, such as intensive outpatient treatment, where the goal is to provide continuous care without having to check yourself into a facility. They aim to teach coping skills and improve your overall functioning.

It is important to address any substance use disorders or mental health conditions you may have because the more disorders a person has, the higher the risk of developing a dependence on substances. This can trigger a cross addiction where a person may become dependent on more than one substance at a time, greatly increasing the risk of severe side effects and overdose.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Alcohol & Klonopin Use

It is important to be well-informed about the medications that you are on and how it may interact with other substances or medications that you take. Klonopin and alcohol can be a dangerous combination and those who are unaware of the dangers may harm themselves without knowing it. Those who do not know how Klonopin may affect their body are at increased risk of side effects, so asking questions from your medical providers is the best way to educate and protect yourself.

Questions to ask your doctor about alcohol and Klonopin include:

• Is there a safe amount of alcohol that I can consume with Klonopin?
• If someone wants to drink, should they stop taking Klonopin for the day?
• Is there a benzodiazepine or anxiety medication that isn’t negatively affected by alcohol?
• What should I do if I decide to drink anyway and have an adverse reaction?
• Are there any signs or symptoms that I should watch out for if I consume alcohol while on Klonopin?
• What are the risk factors that may increase my risk of an overdose if I combine the two substances?
• When should I seek emergency care if I happen to drink alcohol while on Klonopin?
• Should I seek substance use specialists if I am concerned about a history of alcohol or Klonopin dependency?
• Are there any other substances, supplements, or medications I should be aware of that may result in an increased risk of overdose?
• Are there any alternative medications or treatment options I could consider if alcohol use is a concern for me?

In My Experience

In my experience, people on Klonopin and similar medications can become drowsy and sedated while on the medications. Combining this side effect with potentially unhealthy drinking habits may result in serious side effects that could bring harm to a person. I agree that it is wise to avoid alcohol while on this medication, but if a person really wants to drink alcohol while on Klonopin, then it can be done safely.

Discuss with your doctor if you plan to drink alcohol while on Klonopin and follow their guidance to keep yourself safe. If you think you or others may have a substance use disorder from one or both of the substances, then please seek help from your care provider and build yourself a trusted support system. It is possible to recover from this disorder and lead a healthy life. If you or someone you know are interested in getting help, some helpful links are included at the end of the article.

For Further Reading

• Alcohol & Sleep: Impacts & How to Cope
• Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Prevention
• Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Prevention
• What Are the Effects of Mixing Ritalin & Alcohol?
• How to Help Someone You Care About
• Treatment help for mental health and substance use